The history of Roman coins can be divided into three distinct periods: Republic, Imperatorial and Empire. The earliest “official” Roman coins were created sometime around 320-280 B.C. In 27 B.C., Augustus (formerly Octavian) gained sole control as Rome’s first Emperor. The obverses of most Roman coins depicted rulers and their family members. Usually a deity, mythological figure or symbol of the ruler’s authority was shown on the reverse.